For many scientists, science communication is something they have to do “on the side”. Even though engagement with the public is becoming increasingly important, this task does not yet enjoy a full-fledged place within a scientist's academic duties. In the Science Communication by Scientists: Rewarded! programme, the needs of scientists and the hurdles they have to surmount in this regard have been identified; a guide has also been compiled. The guide, with specific recommendations for knowledge institutions, was presented today to the Dutch Minister of Education, Culture and Science, Robbert Dijkgraaf.
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Science communication: a fully-fledged part of academic duties
Scientists are increasingly expected to reach out and seek collaboration outside academia. Such interaction is important to build trust between science and society, to respond to topical issues, and to work together to find solutions to societal problems. However, scientists usually lack the time and support to engage in such interaction. As part of the Science Communication by Scientists: Rewarded! programme, researchers at the Athena Institute (VU University Amsterdam) investigated how science communication can be made a fully-fledged part of scientific practice. The guide published today will help knowledge institutions on the road to recognising and rewarding scientists who work structurally on science communication. The Rewarded! programme was made possible by the Dutch Ministry of Education, Culture and Science, and implemented by a project group within the Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences under the guidance of an Advisory Board.
'I'm so glad this guide has been produced. It underpins and outlines opportunities for science communication. It doesn’t just bring together a lot of initiatives we already have, but it’s also a way of making science communication a fully-fledged part of modern scientific practice and continuing to engage with the public.'
Robbert Dijkgraaf, Dutch Minister of Education, Culture and Science
Key recommendations
Based on a study by the Athena Institute (VU University Amsterdam) and other findings in the Rewarded! programme, four recommendations have been drawn up for knowledge institutions.
- Have science communication link up with policies on open science.
Make reflection on science communication part of the transition to a more open scientific system. Organise dialogue between scientists, communication experts, and civil-society stakeholders.
- Make science communication a fully-fledged part of academic duties
Integrate science communication fully into career profiles, alongside research, teaching, patient care at university medical centres, and/or academic leadership. As regards Recognition and Rewards, this forms part of the Impact element. Scientists should be able to determine the emphases within these duties for themselves.
- Integrate science communication into all phases of scientific practice
Integrate science communication into every research programme, from start to finish. Earmark a percentage of the research budget for science communication. Emphasise the need for carefully thought-out plans for science communication in applications for research funding.
- Approach science communication as an actual discipline, with associated expertise and collaboration with communication professionals and their networks
Provide instruction and training for researchers who wish to become expert at science communication, and broaden their expertise regarding public engagement. Give communication staff scope for systematic collaboration with scientists, and bring together scientists with an interest in science communication. Ensure that know-how gained from experience is preserved and accessible.
About Rewarded!
Rewarded! was initiated and funded by the Dutch Ministry of Education, Culture and Science, and implemented by a project group within the Academy under the guidance of the Rewarded! Advisory Board, headed by Prof. Peter-Paul Verbeek. Rewarded! started with a pilot fund from which 91 research groups – from all faculties of all the Dutch universities – received a financial contribution for new activities as recognition and a reward for their structural commitment to science communication. This was followed by an enrichment programme focused on networking and knowledge sharing. A central component of this was a study of how science communication by researchers at knowledge institutions can be incorporated more effectively into scientific practice. The study was conducted at the Athena Institute (VU University Amsterdam) and was directed by Dr Frank Kupper, associate professor of science communication and public engagement.
Contact
For more information, please contact Esther Ladiges (Academy’s Communication department), phone +31 6 1541 9493, e-mail esther.ladiges@knaw.nl.
Presentation of 'Science Communication by Scientists' to Minister Robbert Dijkgraaf. Left to right: Peter-Paul Verbeek (chair of Advisory Board), Minister Dijkgraaf, Marja van der Putten (Academy), and Frank Kupper (Athena Institute). Photo Milette Raats